(STILLWATER, Oklahoma / Jan. 8, 2019) — The Oklahoma State University Museum of Art presents Washed Up, a multimedia arts-based research project that explores our relationship to water. Open Jan. 8 through March 9, the exhibition manifests a stimulating depiction of water insecurity and climate change, and their impact on biodiversity and human life.
Washed Up contrasts photographic images of aquatic fossil specimens from the Permian and Cretaceous eras with a collection of objects recently found on Oklahoma and Kansas shorelines. The local perspective fosters a wider understanding of how regional geographies, ecologies, cultures and economies are affected by water. Issues of plastic pollution are also shown through video and sculptural objects. Porcelain sculptures cast from plastic packaging depict aquatic micro-fauna, and imagine a future when these may become fossilized.
“Our health and prosperity is dependent on healthy waterways,” said artist Marguerite Perret. “This show reflects how humans are the embodiment of water, and how we can be agents of change for the better.”
Perret is an associate professor of art at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. She teaches cross-disciplinary courses blending art, science and ecology. Perret’s interest in arts-based research has led to several international collaborations with artists and researchers in Europe, South America and the United States.
Washed Up is an introductory show to the 2020 exhibition The State We’re In: Water. Perret works alongside artists Bruce Scherting and Robin Lasser for these OSU Museum of Art projects.
In partnership with OSU Research Week Feb. 18 – 22, a reception will be held at the OSU Museum of Art Feb. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. All exhibitions and events at the museum are free and open to the public.
On View
January 8 — March 9, 2019
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